Sunday School Lessons

MARCH 4, 2018

MARY ANOINTS JESUS’ FEET

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus’ greatest miracle, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, drew two very opposite responses from the Jews for whom the miracle was primarily intended.
a) Many who witnessed it believed on Him.
b) Others who witnessed it reported what was done to the Jewish leaders, who, like themselves, were hardened in their unbelief, and put out word that He must be taken, i.e. taken and put to death.
2. Jesus therefore removed Himself into the Judean city of Ephraim. Nothing is known about this city, only that our Lord continued there until the week of His passion.
3. The time had now come for His return but first He would come to Bethany, to the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
4. To off-set the horrible dishonor that was done to our Lord at the end of the previous chapter prompting His departure, this chapter begins with the high honor that was shown to Him upon His return, as He came again to Bethany before entering upon His great humiliation.

I. THE VISIT THAT JESUS PAID TO HIS FRIENDS AND THE KIND ENTERTAINMENT WHICH THEY GAVE HIM. (VERSES 1-3)

A. JESUS BLESSED HIS FRIENDS BY COMING TO BETHANY SIX DAYS BEFORE THE PASSOVER. (VERSE 1)
1. He would lodge in the home of Lazarus whom He had a few weeks before this raised for the dead.
2. He would spend His last Sabbath before His death with this family.
3. That He came up “six days before the Passover” is noted to indicate that this visit was a preface to the Passover He intended to celebrate.
a) He would celebrate it with His disciples with great desire.
b) But that celebration, like all before it was only typical of the true Passover, God’s Lamb who would soon be sacrificed. (I Cor. 5:7)

B. HE WAS GRACIOUSLY ENTERTAINED IN THE HOME OF HIS FRIENDS WHO MADE HIM A SUPPER. (VERSE 2)
1. “They,” meaning Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.
2. It appears that Martha, as was typical of her, was most involved in preparing and serving the meal.
a) Though a person of some quality herself, she did not think it below her to serve when Christ sat at the table.
b) Christ Himself taught us that service is a high honor; and that is especially true when Christ is the one we serve. (See Matt. 20:27, 28; 25:40)
3. Lazarus was not involved in that way, but as customary for men, he was seated with those being served.
a) This was purposely mentioned in order to show the reality of Lazarus’ resurrection. He was not a ghost or spirit. He had a real body with all of the wants and conditions of a body.
b) Thus, we are practically taught that though a man’s body die, it may yet live again.
c) J. C. Ryle remarks that this scene provides “a faint type of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Jesus Christ will be there; those believers who died and are raised again…will be there; and those who never died, but are found alive and believing when He comes, will be there. Then the number of the guests will be complete.”
4. Mary showed our Lord particular honor above the rest. (Verse 3)
a) This remarkable act of Mary, being so similar to what is recorded in Matt. 26 and Mark 14, which Jesus said would be related all over the world, certainly deserves our special attention. (Matt. 26:13; Mark 14:9)
b) This anointing is (in my opinion) the first of two which He received prior to His death. By comparing the various accounts, we find that:
(1) This anointing occurred 6 days before Passover, while that recorded in Matthew and mark was 2 days before.
(2) Here Mary anointed Jesus feet, while there the woman (who some believe was also Mary) anointed His head.
(3) This anointing was in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, while the other was in the house of Simon the Leper, and
(4) In this case, the waste was protested by Judas, but of the other apparently there were others besides Judas who complained. (Matt. 26:8; Mark 14:4)
c) Mary’s motive for what she did was evidently her strong and grateful love for her Lord and Savior.
(1) For what she had learned from Him for her own spiritual benefit.
(2) For what He had done for her and her family in restoring Lazarus to them.
(3) The depths of her gratitude to her Lord and the high honor she intended to bestow on Him is shown by the lavish profuseness with which she poured the entire contents of the very costly box of ointment on His feet.
d) Though, as commentators point out, it was customary to anoint the feet of weary travelers who came in as guests, there is obviously much that is indicated by Mary’s actions.
(1) It was the “beautiful feet” that had brought the hope of the Gospel to her door and into her home. (Rom. 10:15)
(2) It was at these beautiful feet that she sat delighted to hear her Master teach. (Luke 10:39)
(3) It was at Jesus’ feet that she would assume the most humble posture and spirit, even wiping His feet with her hair.

II. MARY’S ACTIONS WERE MET WITH DISAPPROVAL FROM JUDAS ISCARIOT, BUT RECEIVED GRATEFUL PRAISE AND COMMENDATIONS FROM THE LORD. (VERSES 4-8)

A. THE ONLY COMPLAINT CAME FROM ONE OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES. “THEN SAITH ONE OF HIS DISCIPLES, JUDAS ISCARIOT…” (VERSE 4)
1. This complainer, being one of the twelve, was one of their number, but not one of their nature.
a) It is possible for evil men to lurk in the disguise of a good profession.
b) It is sad when holy service is frowned upon and discouraged by those who ought, according to their profession, to be forward to encourage it.
c) Many a professing Christian cannot understand zeal of any sort for the honor of Christ.
(1) Any expenditure for sake of reaching the lost with the Gospel is seen as a waste.
(2) A life given to take the Gospel to the world is looked upon as senseless.
(3) Surely, to become a living sacrifice for Christ is not seen as reasonable (Rom. 12:1), but totally unreasonable.
d) We cannot allow the remarks of such persons to move us from “patient continuance in well-doing.”
2. Judas dressed his complaint in a pretense of concern for the poor. (Verse 5)
3. John here sets the record straight, inserting parenthetically, “This he said not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief…” (Verse 6)
a) Judas was treasurer of Christ’s group of disciples. This may be the reason why he was called “Iscariot,” which means bag-bearer.
b) Judas’ true character was not yet known to John at the time of this anointing, but obviously, by the time that John was writing this Gospel, it had become well known that Judas was not only a “thief” but a “traitor,” THE TRAITOR.
c) Judas’ question is a specimen of how wicked men will often try and depreciate a good action, especially in the matter of giving. They will suggest that something better might have been done.
d) Matthew Henry comments that coldness of love for Christ and secret contempt for actions done to His honor, when seen in professors of religion, are “sad presages of final apostasy.”
e) Judas made a big deal about 300 pence, when he was about to sell the Son of God for a fraction of that amount.

B. CHRIST DEFENDED AND JUSTIFIED WHAT MARY DID. (VERSES 7, 8)
1. “Let her alone.” He here intimated His acceptance of Mary’s kindness. Jesus will not have those censured or discouraged who sincerely seek to honor Him.
a) “Pardon her,” so it might be read. If a sincere act of love to Christ seems indiscreet or improper, excuse it for sake of its intended design.
b) Christ knows the heart motive, and is pleased with all sincere, though imperfect, expressions of love to Him.
2. He put a favorable construction on Mary’s kindness that none besides Himself would have imagined. “Against the day of my burying she has kept this.”
a) Our Lord Jesus thought much and often of His death and burial, which is now drawing very near.
b) Could anyone begrudge the use of the ointment used for the embalming of the dead, or complain about the cost, or consider it a waste.
c) Mary’s wonderful expression of love for Christ proved in God’s purpose to be more seasonable and more beautiful than she had foreseen.
3. Jesus gave a sufficient answer to Judas’ objection. (Verse 8; Deut. 15:11)
a) We have the poor always with us, and they are proper objects of Christian charity. (Notice, Jesus appears to take Judas’ reasoning at face value, though He certainly knew that he was not sincere in it.) (Verse 6)
b) We need wisdom when two duties come in competition, to know which has priority. In this case it is made clear. “Me you have not always.”

III. THERE WAS MUCH PUBLIC NOTICE TAKEN OF THIS SUPPER AT BETHANY. (VERSES 9-11)

A. MANY PEOPLE FLOCKED TO THE SCENE BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT JESUS WAS THERE. (VSE. 9a)
1. He had lately retreated to a place near the wilderness where they could not find Him.
2. They came in droves to see Him whose name had been very much magnified by His latest miracle.
3. Though He was declared an outlaw by the authorities, they came not to seize Him, but to gratify their curiosity.

B. THEY CAME ALSO TO SEE LAZARUS WHO WAS RAISED FROM THE DEAD. (VERSE 9b)
1. Perhaps some came to have their faith confirmed.
2. Others may have come out of curiosity, to see a man that was brought back from the dead.
3. Maybe some were eager to quiz him about his experience; what he saw; what it was like. Far better had they come to hear Christ. (Luke 16:31)

C. THE CHIEF PRIESTS WERE FILLED WITH INDIGNATION, SEEING WHAT EFFECT THIS HAD ON THE PEOPLE. (VERSES 10, 11)
1. They had done all they could to alienate the people from Christ and stir up hatred against Him, but many of the Jews were overpowered by the miracle. Now seeing the living evidence of the reality of it, many who may have entertained some doubt were persuaded. They were seeing the very thing they had feared coming to pass. (Verse 48a)
2. How absurd and unreasonable was their proposed remedy to the problem. “But the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death.” (Verse 10)
a) Their reasoning was totally absurd and ridiculous. “Because…of him many of the Jews believed on Jesus.”
b) We see how irrational and desperate wicked men filled with hate can become. How could putting Lazarus to death possibly prevent what was happening?
c) Nothing is so unreasonable as the bitter hatred that wicked men have toward Christ and the Gospel.
(1) It would put Him to death again if that were possible.
(2) It would pull God down from His throne if it could.
(3) It would also put to death even those whom He has called from spiritual death to spiritual life who bear witness to His saving, regenerating power. (John 5:25)

FEBRUARY 11, 2018

THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS (PART IV)

INTRODUCTION:

1. Jesus was intimately aware of His Divine mission, and the only necessity that He was ever under was to do the Father’s will, and to finish the works that the Father had given Him to do. (Ch. 4:4, 34)
2. Jesus often made known the fact that the works which the Father had given Him to do, the same were intended to bear witness of Him, testifying who He was. (Ch.5:36; 10:24, 25)
a) Jesus’ works were, if you will, the Father’s “seal of authenticity.” (John 6:27)
b) Jesus’ works, the great majority of which were apparently not recorded (See Ch. 20:30, 31; 21:25), provide more than sufficient proof that He was indeed the Christ of God.
3. That which was true respecting all of Jesus’ works is made abundantly clear in this case, namely, that He was keenly aware that everything about it down to the minutest detail was according to the Divine arrangement and purpose. Jesus’ every decision and action was deliberate and purposeful.
4. Of all His works, (recorded or unrecorded) the raising of Lazarus was almost certainly the greatest of them all. It was intended to provide one last incontrovertible proof to the Jews that He was indeed the Christ of God, the Messiah.

I. HERE WE ARE TOLD WHAT EFFECT THIS GREAT MIRACLE HAD ON THE JEWS THAT WITNESSED IT. (VERSES 45, 46)

A. THAT THIS MIRACLE WAS PRIMARILY INTENDED AS A WITNESS TO THE JEWS IS EVIDENT FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE A GLARING OMISSION IN JOHN’S REPORT.
1. Nothing is said regarding the reaction of the family members, or how the disciples were affected, or how Lazarus himself responded.
a) We are sure that Mary and Martha were flooded with joy, but nothing is said about it. A veil is drawn over their joy, but their former sorrow was completely unveiled.
b) We doubt not that the faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened, according to Jesus’ stated intention. (Verse 15)
c) We cannot even begin to imagine how Lazarus reacted to being brought back to life, though we would certainly like to know.
d) We are not privy to any of this information, our natural curiosity notwithstanding.
2. John confines his report exclusively to the effect that was had on the Jews who were present.
a) Their presence was clearly arranged for by Divine Providence.
b) How could any remain unbelieving after so powerful proof as this?

B. THE EFFECT HAD ON THE JEWS WAS TWOFOLD AND DIVIDED. (VERSES 45, 46)
1. Many were persuaded by this miracle and induced to believe. (Verse 45)
a) They came for a good purpose, to comfort Mary, but God had a higher purpose; that they might hear Christ, witness the miracle, and believe on Him.
b) Whether their belief was faith unto salvation in every case is doubtful, but at any rate, they ceased to oppose and blaspheme.
c) It is very likely that many Jews whose hearts had been prepared at Bethany came boldly forward to be baptized on the day of Pentecost.
2. Others were irritated by the miracle and further hardened in their unbelief. (Verse 46)
a) Instead of being softened and convinced, they were hardened and enraged.
b) They were vexed to see more unanswerable proofs that Jesus was the Christ, and irritated to feel that their own opposition was more than ever inexcusable.
c) They therefore hurried off to the Pharisees in desperation to report the progress that Jesus was making around Jerusalem.
d) The amazing wickedness of human nature is strikingly demonstrated in this verse. It is a great mistake to suppose that seeing miracles will produce faith and convert souls. (Luke 16:31; Rom. 10:17)

II. NEXT WE LEARN HOW THE JEWISH LEADERS RESPONDED WHEN INFORMED ABOUT THIS GREAT MIRACLE. (VERSES 47-52) The latter group of unbelieving Jews who had witnessed the miracle became informants, notifying the members of the Sanhedrin of what had happened.

A. A SPECIAL COUNCIL WAS CALLED TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS MIRACLE WORKER. (VERSE 47)
1. By the question, “What do we?” was meant, “Are we going to sit still and let this man continue to make progress?” The implied answer is, “We must do something to stop Him.”
2. They made a marvelous admission. “For this man doeth many miracles.”
a) Our Lord’s worst enemies confessed that He did miracles, and many of them.
b) Can we doubt that they would have denied the truth of His miracles had they been able to do so? The Pharisees who moved heaven and earth to denounce Him never dared to dispute His miracles, for they were too many, too public, too thoroughly witnessed.
c) How, in the face of this fact, modern infidels and skeptics can dismiss our Lord’s miracles as impostures and delusions they would do well to explain.

B. THEY FEARED THAT IF JESUS WAS NOT STOPPED, THEY WOULD LOSE THEIR PLACE AND NATION TO THE ROMANS. (VERSE 48)
1. They ignorantly believed that Jesus would gain such a following that the Roman government would see Him as a Jewish threat, and be forced to deal with them as rebels and destroy Jerusalem and the temple.
2. Calvin points out: “They double their wickedness by a plausible disguise – their zeal for the public good. The fear that chiefly distressed them was that their tyranny would be destroyed.”
3. The truth is, this saying of the Pharisees was a pretext for stirring up enmity against Christ. What they really hated was His doctrine which exposed their own system and weakened their authority.

C. CAIAPHAS WAS BOLD IN DECLARING BEFORE THE COUNCIL THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. (VERSES 49, 50)
1. The disorder and irregularity of the Jewish nation is seen here. “Caiaphas being high priest that same year.” According to the Law of Moses, the office of high priest was tenable for life. But, at this time it seems to have been obtainable by election. There were rightful high priests, and those that were appointed by the Roman government, who held office simultaneously. (Luke 3:2)
2. Caiaphas was apparently of the sect of the Sadducees, as was his father-in-law, Annas. This may account for the contemptuous way in which he seems to speak to the Pharisees. “Ye know nothing at all.”
a) “Ye” is here emphatic in the Greek.
b) It seems very likely that it expresses Caiaphas’ contempt for the ignorance and helplessness reflected in the Pharisees’ question, “What do we?”
3. What others made a matter of deliberation, this man declared shamelessly and openly and audaciously. “One must die.”
4. Caiaphas made plain what he was as the solution to the problem. One sure way to prevent the Romans from taking away their place and nation was to put to death Him who was posing the threat to the Roman government. It seems expedient to kill Him. Better He should die to save the nation than that the nation should be brought down because of Him. This is clearly what Caiaphas meant.

D. JOHN REVEALS THE PROPHETIC MYSTERY THAT WAS IN THE COUNCIL OF CAIAPHAS OF WHICH HE WAS UNAWARE. (VERSES 51, 52)
1. These two verses contain a parenthetical comment by John on the statement of Caiaphas to the Pharisees.
2. The fact that Caiaphas was high priest gave him no prophetical powers. The mention that he was high priest that year made his words more remarkable when afterward remembered and noted. (See Ch. 18:14)
3. He foretold what was practically fulfilled afterward, though in a way marvelously unlike what he thought – that Jesus should die not only for the Jewish nation, but for the benefit of all God’s children at present scattered all over the world.
4. Caiaphas’ words proved true in an extraordinary manner, though in a way that he never intended, wished, or expected.

III. THE JEWISH LEADERS CONCLUDED THEIR COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY AGREED THAT JESUS MUST DIE. (VERSES 53, 54)

A. THEY WERE NOW UNANIMOUS IN THEIR RESOLVE AND UNITED IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PUT CHRIST TO DEATH.
1. Caiaphas’ stern, bold, outspoken proposal carried all the council with him.
2. This body of leaders was one of varied opinions among the various sets, yet on this they all agreed; Jesus must die.
3. The great miracle at Bethany would doubtless increase the number of our Lord’s adherents, making it necessary to use caution in carrying out the murderous plan.

B. JESUS, KNOWING THAT THE JEWS WERE SEEKING HIS DEATH, MADE HIMSELF OBSCURE. (VERSE 54)
1. He suspended His public appearances.
2. He withdrew into a remote part of the country.
3. His temporary retirement would make His return into Jerusalem, when His hour was come, the more remarkable.

IV. THERE WAS STRICT INQUIRY MADE FOR JESUS DURING HIS RECESS. (VERSES 55-57)

A. THE OCCASION OF IT WAS THE APPROACH OF THE PASSOVER AT WHICH THEY EXPECTED HIS PRESENCE. (VERSES 55, 56)
1. This was Christ’s fourth and last Passover since He entered upon His public ministry.
2. It might truly be said, “There was never such a Passover in Israel.” (II Chron. 35:18) In this Passover, Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
3. The inquiry was very solicitous. “What think ye, that he will not come to the feast?”

B. THE ORDERS ISSUED BY THE COUNCIL FOR HIS APPREHENDING WERE VERY STRICT. (VERSE 57)

JANUARY 14, 2018

THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS (PART III)

INTRODUCTION:

1. When Jesus at last arrived at Bethany He did not come into the town, but held up at the outskirts, apparently near to the place where Lazarus was buried. It was there, near to the place where His work was to be done that first Martha and then Mary went out to meet Him.
2. To these sisters it appeared that Jesus had come too late. Bothe women, when they saw Him, greeted Him with exactly the same words: “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” (Verses 21, 32)
3. We cannot know their exact tone, but by comparing their manner and posture, it would seem that Martha may have spoken more sharply than Mary, at least at first.
4. It would seem that both of the sisters understood the returned message from Jesus to mean that their brother would not die from his sickness. (Verse 4) They very likely understood from His words that He would come and heal Lazarus. “This sickness is…for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”
5. It will soon become quite clear what His words meant, at which time they will have answers to a number of other questions respecting this whole affair.

I. NOTICE FIRST CHRIST’S PERSONAL GRIEF, AND THE EXPRESSION OF SYMPATHY AND SORROW WHICH HE SHARED WITH HIS FRIENDS. (VERSES 33-37)

A. JESUS EXPERIENCED INWARD GROANS AND A TROUBLED SPIRIT. (VERSE 33)
1. Before addressing the difficulties surrounding this reality, let us consider what stirred Him and realize that Jesus, as a real man, is truly touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and is moved in sympathy with the sorrows of His loved ones. “When Jesus therefore saw her weeping…”
a) As God, He knew all of their feelings, and needed not to see their tears in order to know they were hurting.
b) Yet, as one with our nature, He was peculiarly stirred by the sight of Mary and others weeping.
c) Let us remember that our precious Savior is the same forever. (Heb. 13:8) He did not leave His humanity behind when He ascended up to heaven.
2. Opinions vary as to what is meant by the expression “He groaned in spirit,” and what caused this groaning.
a) The word is pregnant with meaning, and includes the idea of anger, indignation, deep agitation, and grief.
b) Some think that the sight of Martha and Mary weeping was an indication of inordinate grief, which reflected their unbelief, and thus Jesus groaned in spirit.
c) Others think it was the deepest anger, agitation, and indignation for what sin had done to the creature.
d) Others believe it was indeed inward agitation, etc., for what sin had done, coupled with grief and compassion. It was entirely inward at this time. Burgon says the “spirit” here means Christ’s inward soul.
3. The fact that Jesus was troubled poses another mystery. The phrase literally translated, as the margin reads, is “He troubled Himself.”
a) As man, our Lord had all of the feelings, passion, and affections of a man, but all under such perfect control that there was no disorder or excess.
b) Still, this phrase may simply be a Hebraism for “He was troubled.”
c) One thing is abundantly clear; there can be nothing wrong with being greatly moved by the sight of sorrow, since Jesus moved Himself to grieve.

B. JESUS’ CONCERN WAS FURTHER REVEALED BY HIS INQUIRY ABOUT THE PLACE OF LAZARUS’ INTERMENT. (VERSE 34)
1. We cannot suppose that our Lord, Who knew all things, even to the moment when Lazarus died, could really need to be informed where he was buried.
2. He asked this partly as a kind friend to show His interest and deep sympathy, and partly to divert the grief of His mourning friends by raising expectations of something great.

C. JESUS’ CONCERN ALSO APPEARED BY HIS WEEPING AT THE GRAVE OF LAZARUS. (VERSE 35)
1. Jesus again revealed the reality of His humanity which could experience joy and sorrow. This was not merely a show of sorrow, but real sorrow, the outward expression of inward grief.
2. Jesus here wept out of sympathy with the affliction of His friends in order to give an eternal proof to His church that He can feel with us and for us.
3. Different constructions were put upon Christ’s weeping.
a) Some of the Jews were struck by the fact that Jesus loved Lazarus so. “Behold how he loved him!” (Vs. 36)
(1) Only twice it is recorded in the Gospels that Jesus wept. (Luke 19:41; John 11:35)
(2) This word “wept” is literally shed tears. “Weeping” in Verse 33 is with demonstrative lamentation.
b) Others were more cynical. (Verse 37)
(1) Were they suggesting that His tears were an indication that He was unable to help His friend?
(2) Or, were they implying that His tears were not genuine, since He could have prevented the occasion for them?
(3) Or, were they calling into doubt whether He had actually opened the eyes of the blind?
(4) Whichever it was, their mouths would soon be stopped.

II. NOTICE SECONDLY, CHRIST’S APPROACH TO THE GRAVE, AND THE PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS FOR THE MIRACLE. (VERSES 38-41)

A. HE REPEATS HIS GROANS UPON COMING NEAR TO THE GRAVE. (VERSE 38)
1. Jesus again groaning in Himself, i.e. in the spirit (inwardly) as before.
2. Calvin thinks that as Christ was approaching the sepulcher He was as a champion preparing for the battle, and therefore it is no wonder that He groans as the violent tyranny of death which He is come to conquer appears before His eyes.

B. CHRIST ORDERED THE REMOVAL OF THE STONE WHICH WAS COVERING THE MOUTH OF THE CAVE. “TAKE YE AWAY THE STONE.” (VERSE 39a)
1. Nothing was done supernaturally which did not require it.
2. Jesus would have the stone removed.
a) So that those present could see the dead body of Lazarus as it had been buried.
b) Because it was a natural body that was to come out of the grave. The same body that was sown would be raised.

C. MARTHA OBJECTS TO THE OPENING OF THE TOMB AFTER SO LONG A TIME. (VERSE 39b)
1. This objection is remarkable, particularly considering Martha’s previous statement. (Verse 22)
2. This remarkable sentence confirms and proves beyond all doubt several facts already noted.
a) Lazarus was the man in that tomb.
b) Lazarus was really dead. The stench was real, as all present could attest.
c) There is much unbelief still in the believing heart. Impulsive and anxious doubts suddenly surfaced in Martha, her former confessions notwithstanding.

D. CHRIST GAVE A GENTLE BUT FIRM REBUKE TO HER UNBELIEF. (VERSE 40)
1. It is not clear to what conversation Jesus refers when He ways, “Said I not unto thee?”
a) Was it the message sent several days before? (Verse 4)
b) Was it when He conversed with Mary earlier? (Verses 21-27)
c) Was it discourses on former occasions?
2. We should note from this reminder to Martha that if we would see much, we must believe.
3. Let us continually remind ourselves of Christ’s sayings and promises, for they are all yea and amen. “Said I not unto thee?”

E. IN OBEDIENCE TO CHRIST’S ORDER, THE GRAVE WAS OPENED. (VERSE 41)

III. NOTICE THIRDLY, THE WORKING OF THIS GREAT MIRACLE BY OUR LORD. (VERSES 42-44)

A. HE FIRST LIFTS UP HIS EYES AND PRAYS TO HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN. (VERSE 42)
1. Jesus lifted up His eyes not only as an outward expression of His heart, but also that those who stood by might know that God had sent Him, and from Him would come the power to perform this miracle.
2. His prayer provides a wonderful example for us when we pray.
a) He speaks to God as His Father.
b) He begins His prayer with thanksgiving.
c) He prays with full assurance that God is hearing and will answer.

B. HAVING PRAYED, JESUS NOW GETS TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND. (VERSES 43, 44)
1. Jesus “cried with a loud voice.”
a) He could have raised Lazarus by a silent exertion of His will and power, but He did it by a loud call.
b) He cried aloud to signify the greatness of the work and the nature of the work. In raising dead sinners to spiritual life He does it by “a still small voice,” but this was a physical restoration.
c) This resurrection was typical of that great resurrection at the last day, when the Lord shall descend from heaven with a mighty shout, etc., and the dead in Christ shall rise from their graves. (I Thess. 4:16, 17)
2. He called him by name.
a) As we call those by their names whom we would awake out of fast sleep.
b) As a mark of Divine favor, God said to Moses, “I know thee by name.”
c) The naming here intimates that the same individual person who died shall rise again.
3. He called Lazarus out of the grave.
a) He spoke to him as if he were already alive. He did not say “live,” but rather “come forth.”
b) Those who are made alive in Christ must leave the haunts of death to walk in the light. (Col. 3:1-3)
4. The call was effectual, in that, “He that was dead came forth.”
a) The work was done speedily. There was no intervening time between the command, “Come forth,” and the effect, “he came forth.”
b) The work was done perfectly. He was strong as ever he was before.
c) One additional miracle may be seen, in that, he came forth from the tomb while still bound with grave clothes.
5. Our Lord gave one last command which is also very significant and instructive. “Loose him and let him go.”
a) We are reminded again that nothing was done by supernatural power except what called for it.
b) Quite possibly it was to His disciples that these orders were given.
c) It is through the ministry of the church that those who have been regenerated and called out of darkness into light are nurtured and encouraged to walk in the light and in newness of life.

DECEMBER 31, 2017

THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF LAZARUS (PART II)

INTRODUCTION:

1. This chapter is one of the most remarkable in the New Testament. As J. C. Ryle put it, “For grandeur and simplicity, for pathos and solemnity, nothing was ever written like it.”
a) Nowhere else do we find such convincing proofs of our Lord’s Divine power.
b) Nowhere else do we find such striking examples of our Lord’s ability to sympathize with His people. Nowhere else in our Lord’s history do we see Him so distinctly both man and God.
2. The raising of Lazarus was manifestly intended to supply the Jews with one more incontrovertible proof that Jesus was truly the Christ, the Messiah.
a) They said to Him at the Feast of Dedication about three months before this, “If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.” (Ch. 10:24)
b) In reply He distinctly appealed to His “works” as the best evidence of His Messiahship.
c) Now, after a short interval, we find Him within two miles of Jerusalem making preparations for one last demonstration of His divine power, one so stupendous as to convince any skeptic and silence him forever.
3. The Jewish unbelief was so decided that his great miracle will only signal the need for greater urgency in putting Jesus to death.
4. When word reached Jesus at Bethabara that Lazarus was sick, He purposefully delayed His coming for two days. Only after He knew that His friend had died did He leave Bethabara and come with His disciples to Bethany.

I. LET US FIRST CONSIDER THE STATE OF AFFAIRS RESPECTING JESUS’ FRIENDS UPON HIS ARRIVAL. (VERSES 17-19)

A. LAZARUS WAS DEAD AND HAD LAIN IN THE GRAVE FOUR DAYS. (VERSE 17)
1. When Jesus was there a short while before, His friend was alive and, we assume, in good health. How quickly the circumstances of one’s health can change. How suddenly death may come upon a person. (James 4:13-15; Luke 12:16-21)
2. Assuming that Jesus left Bethabara as soon as He intuitively perceived that Lazarus was dead, we might conclude that the journey from there to Bethany was about four days. However, Jesus took the time to pass through Jericho where He healed blind Bartimaeus, saved Zacchaeus and abode at his house, before coming to Bethany. (Mark 10:46-52; Luke 19:1-10)
a) The fact that Jesus was in route to Bethany to perform a good work did not prevent Him from doing other good works along the way. May we also in our labors of love not bypass any opportunity for doing good. (Gal. 6:10)
b) A somewhat similar case was that of Jarius’ daughter. (Luke 8:41-56) As Jesus was responding to Jarius’ plea to come and heal his dying daughter, there occurred a situation that He could not ignore. This delay resulted in the death of the girl. The end result was the same, though it required an even greater miracle.
c) In the case of Lazarus, Jesus not only intentionally delayed leaving Bethabara until Lazarus was dead, but also delayed His arrival at Bethany until Lazarus had been dead four days, and his body had begun to decompose. (See Verse 39)
(1) This was, without doubt, meant for the greater glory of God, and that the Son might be glorified thereby. (Verse 4)
(2) This detail is also useful for the purpose of the type. Regarding the resurrection of the dead in Christ at His coming, “Why should it be thought a thing incredible that God should raise the dead?” (Acts 26:8)

B. THE SURVIVING SISTERS WERE MOURNING THE LOSS OF THEIR BROTHER. (VERSE 19)
1. It is customary when death comes to a house for friends to come and mourn and to comfort those who are bereaved.
2. Their friends included many Jews who came from Jerusalem, Bethany being but a short distance from there, only “about fifteen furlongs,” which is about two miles. (Verse 18)
3. The hand of Providence is seen here, in that so many of the Jews would come here at this time so that they might be witnesses to the miracle that was about to occur.

II. LET US NEXT CONSIDER THE EXCHANGE THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE TWO SISTERS. (VERSES 20-32)

A. FIRST WE HAVE THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN CHRIST AND MARTHA. (VERSE 20)
1. It appears that Martha was expecting His arrival, and had perhaps posted someone to watch and notify her as soon as He came in sight.
2. As soon as the word came, Martha dropped everything, left her friends, and hastened to go and meet the Lord.
a) It has been suggested that she was hastening to warn Him about the many Jews from Jerusalem that were present.
b) That may be true, but it is also very likely that she took leave from all visiting sympathizers and went to meet Him because there was no friend whose company she so desired at this time as His.
3. When Martha went to meet Jesus Mary sat still in the house.
a) Perhaps she, being surrounded with comforters, was not aware of Jesus’ arrival.
b) Since her temperament was more reserved than Martha’s, she may have been more disposed to withdraw in her grief.
c) That temperament which had formerly been to her advantage (Luke 10:38-42) was here a hindrance.
4. The discourse between Jesus and Martha is here given. (Verses 21-27)
a) Martha initiates the conversation with a sharp complaint, but then follows it up with words of correction and comfort. (Verse 21, 22)
(1) Her first words were full of resentment and blame. “If thou hadst been here my brother had not died.” (Verse 21)
(a) In her complaint is seen evidence of her faith in Christ’s power, as well as confidence in His pity. Had He been there, not only could He have healed her brother, but would have.
(b) Sadly, we also see in the same words indications of unbelief, with respect to His power and His wisdom. “If thou hadst been here my brother had not died.” (See verse 15; and Ch. 4:48-50)
(2) She then corrects herself, and her correction contains great comfort. (Verse 22)
(a) Her faith was full of hope. Although raising one so long dead was unprecedented, she believed that through Him such a miracle was possible.
(b) She did not presume to ask directly for this miracle, leaving it to His greater wisdom, but her wish is implied.
b) Jesus’ answer was filled with hope and assurance, and at the same time, ambiguous, leaving the time frame uncertain. “Thy brother shall rise again.”
(1) We, like Martha, fret too much over what might have been, i.e. how things might have been done differently, perhaps preventing a death.
(2) Jesus would have us to stop fretting about what might have been, and focus on our future hope.
(3) This was Martha’s truest comfort, regardless of whether she understood Jesus to be speaking of a present or future resurrection.
c) Martha’s response indicates, once again, a mixture of faith and unbelief. (Verse 24)
(1) First, she believed what was revealed about the resurrection. (See Acts 24:14, 15)
(2) Secondly, her answer seems to indicate that this glorious truth was not enough to comfort her in her present loss. As if the comforts of the resurrection to eternal life were not sufficient to balance the affliction.
d) Jesus then answered with words that must surely encourage every true child of faith. (Verses 25, 26)
(1) Martha believed that God would do for Him whatever He would ask (Verse 22); she believed in a resurrection at the last day (Verse 24); Christ tells her He has all such power in Himself (Verse 25). He who has power to raise a world of dead men to life can surely raise one man who has been dead four days.
(2) Notice the glorious promises here made by our Lord to all believers.
(a) The promise here is either to whosoever among the living believers on Christ, or to whosoever lives spiritually by believing on Christ.
(b) There is a promise for the body, of a blessed resurrection. “Though he die yet shall he live.”
(c) There is a promise for the soul, of a blessed immortality. “…shall never die.”
e) Martha acquiesced in her Lord’s words with complete assent. (Verse 27)
(1) Martha made a good confession. (Compare Matt. 16:15, 16; John 6:59)
(2) In this true and hearty confession, Martha infers that, this being so, there is no difficulty in believing that He is the resurrection and the life, and the fountain of light and truth and all blessedness.
5. The discourse between Jesus and Mary. (Verses 28-32)
a) We detect the total satisfaction that Martha feels as her interview concludes, and she goes her way and also her desire for her sister to receive the same comfort from Christ personally. She was most happy to convey words of the Master’s call to Mary. (Verse 28)
(1) Martha delivered the message to Mary secretly, because it was important that her sister’s interview with Jesus be one on one, as her own had been; and perhaps also because many Jews were present who were not friends of Christ.
(2) Though the message was for Mary’s ears only, it appears that it was very enthusiastically delivered.
(a) “The Master is come.” He whom they longed for was come.
(b) “…and calleth for thee.” Martha was the messenger, but it was Jesus who called for her.
(c) How special and precious it is when Christ, through His sent messengers, calls His own to Himself.
b) Mary, having heard, hastened to her Lord without delay. (Verse 29)
(1) Suddenly, nothing else mattered; she removed herself from all company and the house, and came.
(2) So it is when the Master effectually calls for His own.
c) She went to Him without the town where He waited for her. (Heb. 13:13)
d) The Jews presumed to know why Mary had left in such a hurry. “She goeth to the grave to weep.” (Vs. 31)
e) The Jews then followed her, probably thinking they would mourn with her, but were instead brought to where Christ was, to become witnesses of a most glorious miracle.
f) Mary came and fell at Jesus’ feet, repeating exactly the words that her sister had uttered when she first saw the Lord. “Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.”
(1) She, in effect, charged Jesus with her brother’s death. Martha had done so as well.
(2) Sometimes when sorrows flood our souls, we are prone to ask, “Lord, where are You; why are You not here?”
(3) Let us be reminded from this story that Jesus is always near. He has not forsaken us, and we will, in His time, know His higher purpose in allowing the sorrow.